Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Just as my own parents taught me the importance of charities and giving back when possible, I hope to teach my own children why it is so critical that we help others in need. So when I heard about the Members Unite website I was intrigued. Each month, the website provides 9 different projects that you can read about, discuss, and vote upon. At the end of the month, funds are pooled from participants and $5000 goes towards the most popular project.

Pierce and I went through the 9 projects for the month of March. We discussed each of them, and I explained in the simplest of terms (keep in mind Pierce is only 5) what each project would do. I immediately had two I really liked, and although I was careful to remain neutral, it was interesting that Pierce chose the same projects that I did.

Our first choice was 'Giving the Healing Power of Man's Best Friend to Wounded Soldiers'. This project would rescue and train dogs and put them into the homes of wounded soldiers. Pierce and I discussed the PTSD that many soldiers face, and how dogs might help them. Pierce really liked this project because he said that dogs make people happy, and it would be good for the dogs to have homes where they would be loved. We rated this project 5 stars!

Our second favorite project was 'Giving Infants a Lease on Life' which would provide 20 infants in Guatemala milk for 500 days. Pierce said he liked this because the babies would always have milk and would never run out. He said if the babies ran out of milk they would be very sad. Pierce doesn't like for babies to feel bad.

Pierce and I enjoyed navigating the Members Unite website together. It was easy to register as a user, and sign on to participate. For just $5 a month (plus a $25 initial registration fee) you get to be a part in every monthly project - having the chance to vote for your favorites. 100% of your monthly contribution goes towards the winning project. It's a great way to open up discussion with your child about those less fortunate, and to contribute to a bigger cause than you might be able to do alone. I'd encourage you to check it out with your own children. Pierce and I look forward to officially voting later this month, and seeing which project wins the big prize come March 30th!

For a limited time, Members Unite is offering my community a 50% off discount on the annual membership fee of $25! Use code “WELOVEMOMS” when you sign up!

What a wonderful lesson you are teaching Pierce! When Amy was in the 1st grade we chose to sponsor a little girl from India. That little girl is now a 16 year old-just like Amy! It's been fun to watch her grow up too:)

On behalf of the Members Unite team, Thank You for helping spread the message! We're glad that Members Unite can be an avenue for you and Pierce to have ongoing conversations about giving back and helping others ;)